If we liken Miriam Erickson's life to a river there seems to be two main currents that chart its direction, children and education.  Coming to Door County just after her graduation from college, Miriam began her career here as a UW Home Economist Extension Agent.  She soon met and married Howard Erickson and chose to stay in her adopted community.  Howard and Miriam's family continued to grow as did their involvement in the community.   Miriam feels that it has been a privilege to live and raise a family in this community.  And we feel privileged to have a community partner who works so diligently to bring knowledge and inspiration into the lives of so many children.

Miriam's involvement with children and education has spanned both her professional life and her volunteer life.  Whether at the local level as a extension home agent, teacher, ski coach, Gibraltar school board member, Library Foundation Board Member, Birch Creek Board Chairman... Miriam has made it her goal to provide young people with access to knowledge. 

Miriam believes the answer to many of our problems can be found in education.  We hope this award today recognizes Miriam's tireless efforts in that direction. 

Miriam's love of mankind and her years of service to the general welfare are exhibited in her nearly 50 years of efforts, in addition to her great financial generosity.

Those of you who know Miriam realize that although she may not be loud and abrasive, she certainly knows how to make her point and get the right things done.  As Ski Team advisor she had to fight to get equal rights for women skiers when it came to participation and recognition.  She also has been fighting to obtain county wide access to educational programming via the internet for years - and she hasn't given up.  In addition, as Chairman of the Board for Birch Creek, she worked hard to fund the magnificent addition to their campus.

We believe she is an outstanding example of Philanthropy within our community.